Latest news with #KeralaStateLiteracyMission
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Against all odds: P. Janaki's journey from illiteracy to a literary voice
In the quiet tribal hamlet of Thoppilai in Chengala grama panchayat, 61-year-old P. Janaki stands as a living testament to the power of second chances. Once called to homes for odd jobs, she is now invited to stages and celebrations as a poet. Her recently published Malayalam poetry collection, Ponpulariyil, brought out by Kairali Publications, is a compelling symbol of personal triumph and the transformative power of education. 'I never thought my name would ever be printed on a book, let alone be called a poet,' said Ms. Janaki, her eyes welling up as she held a copy of her debut collection featuring 44 poems. Born into a tribal family gripped by deep poverty, Ms. Janaki grew up far removed from the idea of education. 'We did not have proper clothes. My mother used to tear pieces from jute sacks for me and my five siblings to cover ourselves,' she recalled. With no schools or libraries nearby and little government presence in the colony, learning remained a distant dream. Ms. Janaki's early life was defined by struggle. Education remained buried beneath responsibilities and poverty. 'But somewhere in the corner of my heart, a wish to learn stayed alive,' she said. That wish rekindled in 2014 when Rajini, her friend and Kudumbashree mentor, offered to teach her as part of the Kerala State Literacy Mission's equivalency programme. With Rajini's encouragement, Janaki enrolled in the fourth standard equivalency class. 'She was determined from the start. She read every line like it was a prayer,' Rajini recalled. Ms. Janaki passed the fourth, seventh, and eventually the tenth standard equivalency exams with distinction. But the turning point came when Rajini introduced her to poetry during a class session. 'At first, I did not understand much. But the sound of rhyming words fascinated me. I decided to try,' Ms. Janaki said with a smile. Encouraged by classmates and teachers, her poems slowly began to take shape. 'Most of my poems are born out of pain. I write what I see — the injustice around me, the suffering of women like me, the lives that are left behind even as the country claims to move forward,' she explained. Her collection Ponpulariyil includes deeply reflective poems such as Samuha Anithikal, Karutha Kai, Mahatmavinte Jeevitham, Ramante Vazhi, Muthumani, and Corona. Remarkably, Janaki crafted all her verses without access to any literature beyond the basic textbooks provided during her equivalency studies. 'There is still no library in our colony. That's my biggest regret. If I had access to books, I could have learned so much more about the world,' she said. Yet her resolve remains unshaken. 'I may not be able to travel the world, but I will let my poems and writing carry my world to others,' she added. Kannur district panchayat president K.K. Rathnakumari, who launched her book, hailed Janaki as a 'shining example of what literacy can achieve.' She noted that had Janaki been given a chance earlier in life, she might have been one of the State's most celebrated poets. Kerala Sahitya Akademi awardee and renowned poet Payyanur Kunhiraman Master also praised her work. 'Her verses are rooted, honest, and powerful — a living reflection of how education can awaken dormant talent,' he said.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Kerala couple reignites educational dreams, appears together for Plus II equivalency exam
PALAKKAD: In a touching story of resilience and shared dreams, a couple from Hidayath Nagar in Poolakkad—Abu Thahir and Thasleema—appeared hand-inhand for the Plus Two Malayalam Paper ii equivalency exam on Thursday, breathing new life into long-held aspirations they once thought they had left behind. Abu Thahir, 40, had stepped away from his studies after completing SSLC. Thasleema, 30, who dreamt of studying further, had to set those hopes aside after marriage. But destiny had other plans. encouraged by close friends and a shared desire to grow, the couple decided three years ago to return to the classroom together. "I work as an Arabic teacher at the Sunni Madrassas in Poolakkad and Cholode. Taking this decision as a couple gave us strength. Studying together at home helped us stay on track - our conversations turned into revision, and our shared goal became a source of daily inspiration,' Abu Thahir said. Their journey back to learning was supported by the Kerala State Literacy Mission. For the last two years, the couple has been attending Sunday equivalency classes at Moyan's School in Palakkad, actively participating, clearing doubts, and encouraging one another along the way. On Thursday, school bags on their shoulders and hope in their hearts, the couple walked into the Pandit Mothilal Government Model Higher Secondary School, Palakkad, ready to turn a new page in their life story. They wrote their Malayalam Plus Two equivalency exam side by side not just as students, but as each other's strongest support system. Having already passed all subjects in the Plus i equivalency exams, the couple approaches this step with renewed confidence. Parents to three school-going children in Classes 8, 4, and 2, they are now powerful role models—proving that it's never too late to learn.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Minister Sivankutty releases poetry compilation
In an inspiring account of lifelong learning and literary passion, Chandramani Amma of Neyyattinkara released her first poetry collection Ente Swarnamantharapoovu at the office of General Education Minister V. Sivankutty here on Tuesday. Mr. Sivankutty presented the first copy of the book to former Neyyattinkara Municipal councillor Jaya Dali M.V. Sharing the motivating story on his official Facebook page, the Minister highlighted Ms. Chandramani Amma's remarkable journey through the State's literacy programmes. She began her formal education only in her later years through the Kerala State Literacy Mission. Having successfully passed the Class 10 equivalency examination with first-class marks when she was 70 years old and later completed her Plus Two studies, she is now making her mark as a poet. The poetry collection features 15 of her original works and was published by the Neyyattinkara Municipality. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sivankutty praised her journey as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and the support of inclusive educational initiatives. 'Chandramani Amma's achievement is a powerful message to society that age is no barrier when the thirst for knowledge and expression is strong.'
